TarraWarra Estate MDB Chardonnay & Pinot Noir 2006

In exceptional years, when selecting the Reserve blend, certain barrels stand out as complete wines in themselves which are worthy of bottling under the MDB label – named after the father and son in the Besen family, Marc and Daniel Besen. The vintage of 2006 had proved to be one of exceptional quality and has afforded us the opportunity to make both an MDB Chardonnay and an MDB Pinot Noir. This is the first MDB Chardonnay ever made and the only MDB since 1998.

Both of these wines are available in very small amounts, representing less than three barriques of Chardonnay (500 bottles) and two puncheons of Pinot Noir (1,100 bottles). Many of you have already snapped up cases in the pre-release offer to Cellar Club members in October ’07, with over half of the production now sold. The balance will now be put up for sale at Cellar Door on a first come first serve basis; whilst a small amount has been set aside for the WineBar, and an equally small amount for restaurants in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

If you wish to secure some bottles of this contact the Cellar Door + WineBar Manager, Darren Fraser on
03) 5962 3311, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TarraWarra Estate MDB Chardonnay 2006
The three barriques selected were all Mendoza clone Chardonnay from three different locations in the vineyard: South Park, Watts Point and B Block. A rich bouquet of nuts and spices is followed on the palate by a luscious opulence with a hint of citrus. Overall the wine is well balanced and the flavours and aromas are well integrated. It is very youthful with the oak still showing through, and this wine will continue to develop and improve with cellaring potential of 8-10 years. 500 bottles produced.



TarraWarra Estate MDB Pinot Noir 2006
Two 500 litre puncheons were selected, one each of H-Block low tier and H-Block high tier, clone MV6 Pinot Noir from the oldest part of our vineyard. A youthful yet succulent bouquet has strong raspberry/strawberry aromas at this stage. The palate is vibrant and fresh with the rich velvety feel tempered by some subtle savoury notes and very fine tannins. The wine already has excellent length and deceptive layers of flavour even though it is some time away from being at its peak. This is an exciting young wine that will reward cellaring of 10+ years. 1,100 bottles produced.